The Role of the Priesthood

Question 1

Give the four ways that priests were separate from the laity

Answer 1

1. couldn’t marry
2. (theoretically) didn’t have to work (poor ones did)
3. dressed differently
4. (theoretically) were educated and spoke Latin

Question 2

What was a priest?

Answer 2

• central to the spiritual lives of Church members

- God’s representative on Earth

Question 3

What were only priests allowed to do?

Answer 3

Administer the sacraments

Question 4

What was the role of the priest in the mass?

Answer 4

To transform the bread and wine into the body and blood

Question 5

In the mass, how were people benefitted?

Answer 5

They could be strengthened and aided by God’s grace and the Church

Question 6

What did the priest say when he reassured people?

Answer 6

That if they came to Church and did their best then God would be kind and forgiving

Question 7

How was the priest central to sin forgiving?

Answer 7

He would hear confessions

Question 8

Once a person had been granted absolution, what could they do?

Answer 8

• participate in mass

- pass the Pax

Question 9

Why was sin forgiving particularly important just before Easter?

Answer 9

People had to be purged of sin and be at peace with their neighbour before Easter

Question 10

Due to the fact that most of the population were illiterate, what did the priest have to do?

Answer 10

Interpret the word of God

Question 11

Because the priest had to interpret the word of God, what was important?

Answer 11

That he was educated and capable